Full script

label Prologue:

scene bg store out night
with fade

"{color=#7D7E3C}The night announces its presence, casting a refreshing breeze outside the store."

"{color=#7D7E3C}The moonlight gracefully infiltrates through the glass, engaging in a gentle competition with the luminance emanating from the overhead lamps for the privilege of illuminating the surroundings.{/color}"

"{color=#7D7E3C}The nocturnal air, cool and invigorating, weaves its way through the fabric of the atmosphere, imparting a sense of calm and intrigue to the scene.{/color}"

"{color=#7D7E3C}It is within this atmospheric embrace that our narrative unfolds, where the interplay of moonbeams and artificial radiance sets the stage for the unfolding tale.{/color}"

scene bg black
with Dissolve(1.3)

pause 2

camera:
    subpixel True pos (0, -305) xzoom 1.8 yzoom 1.8
show bg store_in_on:
    subpixel True pos (0.48, 0.86)
with fade

"In the quietude of midnight, I find myself crouched on the floor, diligently arranging the shelves, preparing for the imminent closure of the establishment."

"A mere few minutes remain before the final echoes of the day surrender to the nocturnal tranquility."

play sound "audio/sound/store-entrance-bell-DavidDumaisAudio-pixabay.mp3"

"Suddenly, a distinctive sound resonates through the air – the melodious chime of the front door's bell."

#TODO bell sound

window auto hide
camera:
    subpixel True
    parallel:
        pos (0, -305)
        linear 2.29 pos (26, -96)
    parallel:
        yanchor 0
        linear 0.66 yanchor -198
    parallel:
        xzoom 1.8 yzoom 1.8
        linear 2.30 xzoom 1.0 yzoom 1.0
with Pause(2.40)
camera:
    pos (26, -96) yanchor -198 xzoom 1.0 yzoom 1.0
window auto show

"With a mental fortitude honed by numerous such encounters, I rise from my crouched position, poised for yet another interaction in the dimly lit confines of the store."

W "Welcome."

"I offer in a voice that bears the weight of both courtesy and anticipation."

"To my bewilderment, there is no immediate response. A pregnant pause ensues, accompanied by a quizzical interjection from within the store's depths."

W "…?"

"My gaze sweeps the surroundings, searching for the unseen visitor who triggered the musical announcement of their arrival."

#TODO show clara

"Advancing towards the checkout counter, a realization dawns – a diminutive figure, easily overlooked, stands inconspicuously."

"She has an ordinary appearance, a human with black hair, clothes suitable for the cold. I think it's to be expected that I didn't see her pass, especially at this height..."

pause(0.7)

"Ahem."

"Such moments of surreal silence weave themselves into the fabric of these nocturnal encounters, adding a touch of the uncanny to the mundane routine of closing up shop."

"In a delicate dance of discretion, I strive to conceal the source of my surprise, reluctant to be perceived as mocking in any manner."

W "How can I assist you?"

"I inquire, extending my willingness to aid, while the mysterious figure peruses the assortment of candy packages adorning the counter."

"The juxtaposition of my poised query against the backdrop of unanswered words underscores the peculiar nature of this midnight rendezvous."

"Silent as the night itself, the enigmatic visitor remains unresponsive. It is then that my keen observation discerns the telltale sign – the faint silhouette of earphones draped delicately over their ears. In a swift decision to spare both of us the awkwardness, I choose to gracefully retreat from my spoken inquiry."

"As the individual gathers the selected sweets, I prepare myself for the routine of scanning each item with practiced efficiency."

"The electronic symphony of the barcode scanner fills the air – a sequence of bips that punctuate the silence."

play sound "audio/sound/bipbip.mp3"

"{i}{w=0.23}Bip...{w=1.55} Bip...{w=1.33} Bip.{/i}{p}The sound resonates through the quietude as each item is registered."

W "The total is $4.05."

"I announce, the numerical culmination of their nocturnal confectionery choices."

"The tranquility of the midnight encounter persists, punctuated only by the subtle sounds of transaction and the enigmatic figure's silent departure into the night."

"Observing the unfolding tableau, it becomes evident that verbal communication has become an unnecessary intrusion in this silent transaction. Sensing the lack of auditory reception, I deftly guide the mysterious visitor's attention towards the cash register with a subtle gesture. A mutual understanding is reached, and the unspoken exchange of goods for payment commences."

W "Credit or debit?"
"I inquire, casting my gaze towards the payment terminal. With a decisive gesture, she designates the latter option. The rhythmic hum of the card being inserted follows, signaling the completion of the nocturnal commerce."

"I hand over the receipt as a tangible record of this brief, wordless encounter."

W "Wishing you a pleasant night."

"I offer, a courteous farewell to accompany her exit from the dimly lit enclave of the store. As the door swings shut behind her, a sigh escapes me, a testament to the relief that accompanies interactions devoid of obligatory small talk."

"These quiet exchanges, though brief, possess a certain allure, sparing both parties the burden of engaging in trivial conversations."

"A preference, perhaps, for the simplicity of silent transactions in the nocturnal hours."


"With the clock proudly displaying the digits 00:04, the final strokes of my nocturnal workday are painted across the canvas of time."

"The symphony of the chime at midnight has now given way to the hushed stillness that envelops the store in its entirety."

"As the specter of my professional responsibilities dissipates, an open expanse of time beckons, its possibilities laid bare before me."

"Yet, it's not as though a grand agenda awaits my attention. Instead, I redirect my focus to the shelves, the very same ones that bore witness to my meticulous arrangement earlier. A quiet resolve settles within, prompting me to conclude the lingering tasks that require my attention."

"After roughly twenty minutes of meticulous attention to detail, the shelves stand as a testament to my dedication, devoid of any pending duties. A sense of accomplishment ushers me towards the secluded sanctuary of the back office."

"It is within the confines of this modest space that the transition from the bustling storefront to the solitude of administrative duties occurs."

"Stepping into the sanctuary of the back office, my gaze is met with a curated chaos that holds a peculiar charm – the infamous 'organized mess.' A delicate ballet of papers, folders, and assorted office paraphernalia, each item occupying its designated space in a choreographed cacophony."

"In this choreography of chaos, disrupting the delicate balance could incur the ire of higher powers. A realm where every seemingly haphazard arrangement conceals a purpose known only to the maestro of this peculiar symphony."

"A direct trajectory leads me across the room, spanning the distance to where my personal effects repose within the confines of a cabinet. As I approach, my eyes lock onto the electronic secretary stationed on the edge of the desk – a harbinger of digital messages awaiting acknowledgment."

"Three unheard missives linger, their contents shrouded in the anticipation of revelation. With a determined press of the button, the messages unfurl, each syllable a potential thread weaving the narrative of the evening."

"The electronic murmurings, a modern-day oracle of information, now hold the promise of unfolding tales in the nocturnal solitude of the office."

"Hello hello, have you ever thought about earning 68,955 dollars a week-"

"I skip the spam message."

"Help, they kidnapped me. Send 100000 dollars to my account-"

"I skip the prank message. It's amazing how these people like to waste time doing this kind of thing."

"In the midst of the cacophony of unsolicited offers and prankster pleas, a familiar voice emerges from the digital landscape – a salutation from the realm of responsibilities, personified in the form of my employer, Mr. Arcody."

MrA "Ahoy, Will. How's the castle holding up? Still standing tall? Hehehe,"

"His jovial tone resonates through the speaker, breaking the monotony of spam and jest."

"His familiarity with the metaphor of the 'castle' reflects a shared language, a nod to the unique dynamics that exist around him."

MrA "I wanted to check in on you. Ended up leaving you solo for a few days without notice. My bad. But I'll be back tomorrow, so go ahead and take the rest of the week off."

"The casual generosity of granting an unexpected week's reprieve echoes through the airwaves. A gesture that transcends the typical employer-employee dynamic, a testament to the camaraderie that underscores our professional relationship."

"Despite his bustling schedule, managing not only this store but also ventures in the neighboring town, Mr. Arcody persists in apologizing for the brief absences, leaving digital footprints of contrition in his wake."

"As final notes of the day echo in the routine closing ritual – the retrieval of personal belongings, the addition of a layer to ward off the nocturnal chill, the punctual timekeeping on the wall."
"With a sense of closure, the door at the back is confirmed locked, the lights flicker into darkness, and the nocturnal exit commences towards the front entrance."

"The familiarity with the spatial layout negates the need for artificial illumination. The cadence of this routine, etched into the fabric of nightly endeavors, guides my steps effortlessly through the dimly lit store."

"Swinging the door open to the outside world, a cool nocturnal breeze welcomes me. As the door latches securely behind, I perform the ritualistic checks – the turning of the key, twice, ensuring the seal of closure. A practiced motion that reassures that all is in order."

"Stepping onto the nocturnal stage, the urban expanse unfolds before me. Each footfall resonates in harmony with the ambient sounds of the night – a melody composed of distant city whispers, the rustling leaves, and the occasional passing car."

"In the silent symphony of the urban night, I embark on the journey homeward, the cityscape embracing me as I navigate its familiar contours."

"In the midst of this nocturnal stroll, the allure lies not merely in the transition from workplace to homestead, but in the embrace of tranquility and serenity that accompanies the journey."

"The urban symphony persists – the distant hum of vehicles, the hushed murmurs of early risers nestled in their homes, and the subtle buzz emanating from the street lamps."

"Yet, beneath the urban veil, a celestial tapestry unfolds, stars winking overhead, and the moonlight casting its silvery glow upon the nocturnal canvas."

"Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, there exists a pocket of solitude where the dichotomy of urban life and natural serenity coalesce."

"Breathing in the chilly, albeit pollution-laden air, there's an invigorating freshness to the nocturnal atmosphere. Each step becomes a meditation, a rhythmic dance in synchrony with the city's nocturnal heartbeat."

"Closing my eyes, I indulge in a mental retreat to a secluded haven, where verdant landscapes stretch endlessly, and the only inhabitants are the flora and fauna navigating the ebb and flow of nature's course."

"In these ephemeral moments of imaginative escape, the urban sprawl fades into the background, and I find solace in envisioning a realm untouched by the trappings of modernity. A sanctuary where the pulse of the natural world sets the tempo."

#TODO step sound
"{size=-10}Step {size=-5}Step STEP {size=+5}STEP {size=+10}STEP!!!{nw}"

#TODO punch effect + sound
"{size=+15}Bam!!!"

"My transient reverie collapses, and suddenly, I find myself intimately acquainted with the pavement."

#TODO shaking font
"{size=-10}They found me! Damn it! Is this how I die? Taken out by the mafia?! Shit shit shit shit shit...!"

"The stranger, engulfed in a swirl of unintelligible anxieties, swiftly regains their footing, sprinting away with palpable fear, disappearing into a stumbling retreat down a nearby alley."

"Opting to dismiss this peculiar inconvenience, I rise from the ground, brushing off the remnants of my unexpected meeting with gravity. A quick self-assessment reveals no discernible injuries, prompting me to resume my nocturnal journey."

"The urban tableau, punctuated by the odd encounter, unfolds once more as I continue to traverse the nocturnal labyrinth, the enigmatic stranger's panicked whispers fading into the ambient night sounds."

"The rhythmic melody of my steps is disrupted once again, this time by a distinct Poft as my foot collides with an unexpected object."
"Redirecting my gaze towards the ground, I discover a peculiar, half-silver, and shiny box, presumably dropped during the earlier collision with the enigmatic stranger."

"Surveying the surroundings, the elusive individual who left this mysterious artifact behind remains a mere figment of the past, their hurried escape cloaked in the night's anonymity."

"With a sense of curiosity tinged with caution, I crouch down to inspect the enigmatic box.{p}Its size is modest, the touch slightly cool, devoid of any discernible markings, except for a solitary red button on one side."

"In the realm of cautionary tales, the symbolism of a red button raises internal alarms. However, the practical mind dismisses the notion of pressing such an ominous feature."

"A brief internal debate ensues, contemplating the oddity of the situation. Deciding to err on the side of prudence, I tuck the mysterious box into my backpack.{p}The notion of entrusting it to the local authorities for potential retrieval by its owner crosses my mind."

"With the enigmatic artifact securely stowed away, my journey resumes, a heightened awareness now guiding each step. The city, once a familiar backdrop, now carries an air of unpredictability, shadows concealing secrets yet to be unraveled."